Vikings Draft 2024: Midseason stock report on Vikings prospects
By Luke Parrish
J.T. Tuimoloau - EDGE (Ohio State)
When it comes to completely flipping the script of a game, there may not be a more impactful player than J.T. Tuimoloau. In his last two games against Penn State, Tuimoloau has absolutely dominated the game from start to finish and has come up with game-saving plays in both games.
Against the Nittany Lions, Tuimoloau has eight tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, two interceptions, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He also has a defensive touchdown, as he has just haunted Penn State's offense.
The Ohio State edge defender plays with incredible burst and closing speed to help make plays in the backfield and in the run game. He finishes plays when given a chance to limit the offense, as well as pretty much anyone in the nation.
Tuimoloau is improving as a pass rusher and plays with a relentless motor off the edge, but he is best as a run defender. The Vikings are in dire need of more edge defenders. Whether Danielle Hunter returns or not, Minnesota needs more pressure off the edge and can always be better against the run.
J.T. Tuimoloau is currently projected in the top 50 with most mocks having him taken in the top half of the second round. If he does make it that far, the Vikings would be smart to use their second selection on one of the best young pass rushers on the board.
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